New EICMA releases are popping up everywhere. Nothing that interests me to the point of seriously contemplating trading in the 690 has yet surfaced. The new Africa Twin prototype is certainly interesting but it doesn't look like it's that different from a Triumph 800 XC or a GS 800. Too heavy for someone used to a 150 kg bike. The new KTM 1050 Adventure is also interesting, but again more of the same.
The new Husqvarna 701 however tickles my fancy a little bit. Sure it's a basically a rebadged KTM SMC and it has lost some (or most) of the edge the concept had, but still. I do think the KTM version looks better, but the Husky has a sort of fresh look to it.
Technically the KTM and Husqvarna supermotos are nearly identical (67hp , 320 lbs (145kg), APTC slipper clutch, ABS brakes, WP suspension, and ride-by-wire with different riding modes) so the differentiating factor is the color and bodywork, Rumor has it that the 690 line will be Husqvarnas in the future and that as of 2016 the KTM 690 Enduro will no longer be available. I'm not buying it until I see some evidence.
Oh,and check out the 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpile concept at the Husky website.
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Thanks for taking the patience of writing your blog. It's a very interesting one. Partly thanks to it I went for a 701 Enduro as a replacement for my really much enjoyed 625 SXC.
ReplyDeleteIt's impressive, even astonishing what 10 years time can do in suspension or brakes. It's serious fun, keeping in mind the bike's polivalence from slab roads to single track. Just fit the appropriate tires and the bike'll do the rest.
We'll see what happens next year - probably the new '16 Duke engines shall be fitted -, but apart from a reduced weight, the bike - to me - is fairly good as it is now.
Regards from the both sunny and rainy Spanish NW!